Investigating the Role of Urban Management in Promoting Citizenship Rights in the Metropolis of Urmia

Abstract Citizenship rights, as a set of reciprocal rights and responsibilities between citizens and urban management institutions, are considered one of the most fundamental concepts in contemporary urban management. The present study was conducted to investigate the role of urban management in promoting citizenship rights in the metropolis of Urmia. This study employed a mixed-methods (quantitative–qualitative) approach and utilized researcher-developed questionnaires, semi-structured interviews with urban management experts, and an analysis of relevant documents and laws. The statistical population consisted of citizens residing in the five municipal districts of Urmia, municipal experts and managers, and members of the Urmia Islamic City Council. The findings indicate that urban management in Urmia is associated with the realization of citizenship rights across five main domains: (a) service and welfare infrastructure, (b) citizen participation, (c) transparency and accountability, (d) spatial justice, and (e) urban health and the environment. However, the overall mean score for the current status of citizenship rights (2.64 out of 5) is below the midpoint of the measurement scale. Data analysis indicates a significant gap (mean difference of −1.86 points) between the current and desired conditions across all of these domains. Multiple regression analysis shows that, compared with the other variables, citizen participation has the largest contribution to explaining the realization of citizenship rights. Furthermore, a a positive and statistically significant association is observed between the level of citizen participation and their satisfaction with urban services. In addition, a comparative analysis of advantaged and disadvantaged areas of Urmia indicates that the unequal distribution of urban services and infrastructure, with an approximately 27% difference between central and peripheral areas, constitutes one of the most important barriers to the realization of citizenship rights in this metropolis. Based on the findings of the study, urban management in Urmia can take effective steps toward promoting citizenship rights by adopting an integrated, justice-oriented, and participatory approach and by strengthening institutional capacities, public education, information transparency, and the application of modern technologies.

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Keywords: Citizenship Rights ، Urban Management ، Citizen Participation ، Spatial Justice ، Urmia